Mary “Maria” Rojas

Mary “Maria” Rojas was born on February 7, 1931 in Beaumont, Texas to Micaela and Zenon Gonzalez. She worked for Frito Lay and Sheperd’s Laundry until she  married Frank Rojas in 1965. Together they were charter members of L.U.L.U.C #394, where Maria cooked for all occasions big and small, Christmas, New Years parties, and especially including their booth each year at the Southeast Texas State Fair. Maria was well known for making dozens of tamales for all to enjoy.  As members of L.U.L.A.C, they began the local L.U.L.A.C Council #38 for the Hispanic youth. Her home and kitchen were open to all who paid her a visit.

Family was very important to Maria.  She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She never refused a request to baby sit, be it one, or all of the many grandchildren. A true matriarch of the family, she was always willing to help out or give advice to all who asked.  She taught us all what it meant to be a family.

Maria loved to sing and dance.  As a teenager, she joined her brother, Simon, belting out tunes on the radio.  She was heavily involved with the youth, taking time to teach the traditional Mexican dances to celebrate the annual  Fiesta Patrias Pfor Mexican Independence. In her later years, she was even a viral sensation, along side her great grandson, Jonah, on TikTok.

Maria touched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  Although Alzheimer’s may have robbed her of her mind and memories, it never took away her spirit.  To the end, she stayed feisty, passionate, and humorous—even if a bit inappropriate at times.

She is survived by her daughters Cindy Castelan and her husband, Jorge, Sr., and DeDe Rojas; son, Charlie Rojas and his wife, Carmen; grandchildren, Paul Castelan, Tania Castelan, Vania Castelan and her spouse, Jaume Williams; Jorge Castelan, Jr., Jonathan Castelan, Thomas Castelan, Brianna Castelan, Stephanie Rojas, Elizabeth Rojas, and Emma Rojas; great-grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, Aaron, and Liam; brothers Jesus Gonzalez, Gregorio Gonzalez, David Gonzalez, and sister, Esperanza “ChaCha” Gonzalez.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Frank Rojas, her parents, brothers Simon Gonzalez, Alberto Gonzalez, Salvador Gonzalez, Eduardo Gonzalez, and Jose Gonzalez.

A gathering of Mrs. Rojas’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with her Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 767 Avenue A, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.